Security and Public Safety Application for a Mobile Device

ABSTRACT

In a plurality of described embodiments, various modules of an application for a client device may operate to enhance personal security for an individual user, as well as public safety in general. A Blue-Phone-in-Pocket (bPip) module operates comparable to, but more effectively than, the traditional college campus blue light phone. When the user of the module toggles a button on the GUI of his/her smartphone, the App may instantly record and transmit key information to a command center, which operates to provide assistance to the student, at their current location, without requiring the student to relocate to one of the tradition blue light phone fixtures. A tracking module permits the student or other user to be tracked by his/her device until safely reaching a travel destination. The person may trigger an alarm if endangered during the trip, which may prompt a respond from local law enforcement, and other assigned individuals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/029,680 filed on Jul. 28, 2014, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in security and publicsafety systems, and more particularly to a platform of mobile solutionsthat are devised to improve an individual's ability to bewarned/informed and to warn others of hazards or events, and to requestassistance that may be provided in many different forms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile applications (“Apps”) for a user's smart phone or other mobilecomputing devices (e.g., iPad, Kindle, etc.), have gained popularity,particularly with millennials, who tend to be more technology savvy, andexhibit a greater willingness to improve their lives through the use ofnew programs and devices. For example, there are a number of Appsrelated to personal security and safety that are available for theiPhone, and some for Android as well, many of which are geared tocollege students. Some of these include: Bsafe, Guardly, Watch Over Me,StaySafe, OnWatch, and Circle of 6. Each of these Apps provide somenarrow safety enhancing functionality, which typically is directed toalerting family members and/or friends about a perceived threat or anongoing unsafe situation. Some of these Apps include GPS tracking andtransmitting of the user's location, and others include automaticsending of emergency notifications if the cell phone user fails to reachtheir entered destination within the allotted time period.

The next-generation platform of the present invention may incorporatesimilar functionality, but is further adapted to include many otherfeatures that contribute to the user's safety and situational awareness,and the ability to better interact in the community to furthercontribute to such safety and security for themselves and for others aswell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be in the form of a mobile web application ora device specific native application that is directed to enhancingpublic safety and security, through the use of a plurality of differentmodules, many of which can be easily modified and customized forcustomer specific applications.

The array of functionality offered by the application may include thefollowing, at an upper level of its functional hierarchy:

-   -   GPS Location-based Monitoring of a Police Scanner;    -   User Chat by Location;    -   Provision of Crime Data, based on GPS location and preferences;    -   A Bulletin Alert Module to provide a scrolling list of relevant        information that the client desires to push to the user, or the        user desires to receive;    -   A Track Me Module with a Trip Duration Timer that sounds an        alarm if not disarmed by passcode or biometric means within the        allotted time;    -   A Blue-Phone-in-Pocket (bPip) module;    -   A panic button configured to send an instant message with        minimal user input that may be customized;    -   An Incident Reporting Module;    -   A Person of interest Tracker that permits the user to identify a        specific person in a picture or video by drawing an outline        around them, which can be sent to the main system which then can        be imported into other third party systems;    -   An I.D. Verification Module;    -   A mobile profiler that permits the user to create a composite        image that represents an individual they are trying to describe;    -   A Drone Assist Module usable during live pursuit for the        tracking of individuals, by harvesting information broadcast by        their mobile device, and with continuous tracking capability        over varying geographical configurations through hand-off of        information to one or more drones;    -   Accessibility of functionality using Google Glass;    -   Wearable devices such as a security vest that may be coupled to        the App to communicate critical data to a control center, such        as the transmission of the person's vital signs (heart rate,        reparation rate, etc.) and impact data;    -   A Bail Check-In Module where bail is conditioned upon the        suspect using the App. to periodically check in and respond to        random check-in requests;    -   A Backend Engine;    -   A multi-functional pre-processing information module, which        includes transcoding of video and audio, originally captured for        storing high resolution copy, to a high efficiency format for        uploading of the data; and    -   A fan experience module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of the various functionality offeredby the next generation security and public safety platform of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the icon that may be used to launch the App of thepresent invention, as it appears on the display of an exemplary smartphone.

FIG. 3 illustrates the smart phone of FIG. 2, and the function buttonsavailable to the user after selecting the icon of FIG. 1 to launch theApp of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the smart phone of FIG. 3, showing one of the screensof the Police Scanner module, in which the user may monitor one of thefrequencies used by the local police department.

FIG. 5 illustrates the smart phone of FIG. 3, showing one of the screensof the Crime Data module, in which the user is alerted of being within athreshold distance of a high crime area.

FIG. 6 illustrates the smart phone of FIG. 3, showing a first screen ofthe “Track Me Module,” which permits the user to enter a starting pointand a destination for a trip.

FIG. 7 illustrates the smart phone of FIG. 6, showing a second screen ofthe “Track Me Module,” after the user has entered a starting point and adestination for the trip, and is being prompted to arm the feature tobegin the trip.

FIG. 8 illustrates the smart phone of FIG. 7, showing a third screen ofthe “Track Me Module,” after the user had entered a starting point and adestination for the trip, and had armed the feature to begin tracking.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the “Track Me Module”shown in FIG. 6, and additionally includes a timer option.

FIG. 9A shows the screen of the smart phone of FIG. 9, but after theuser has selected the timer option, and when only 19 minutes remain ofthe time that was originally entered.

FIG. 9B shows the screen of the smart phone of FIG. 9A, but when only 3seconds remain of the time that was originally entered.

FIG. 9C shows the screen of the smart phone of FIG. 9A, but when onlyzero time remains of the time that was originally entered.

FIG. 9D shows the screen of the smart phone of FIG. 9A, but after theuser has toggled the panic button.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary computing unitcapable of being programmed by the instructions of the software of thepresent invention, and which may include cellular phones, personalcomputers, and other mobile smart devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The platform of the present invention can be easily modified andcustomized fbr customer specific applications, and may be in the form ofa mobile web application or a device specific native application. Asused on a client device, such as the exemplary smart phone 10 shown inFIG. 2, the functionality of the platform 11 (see FIG. 1) may beaccessed by tapping on the corresponding icon, which is an application(“App”) labeled therein as “See It-Send It.” Accessing the platformthrough the icon may result in the display of function buttons, as seenfor the smart phone of FIG. 3. The array of functionality offered by theplatform may include the following, at an upper level of its functionalhierarchy:

-   -   GPS Location-based Monitoring of a Police Scanner;    -   User Chat by Location;    -   Provision of Crime Data, based on GPS location and preferences:    -   A Bulletin Alert Module to provide a scrolling list of relevant        information that the client desires to push to the user, or the        user desires to receive;    -   A Track Me Module with a Trip Duration Timer that sounds an        alarm if not disarmed by passcode or biometric means within the        allotted time;    -   A Blue-Phone-in-Pocket (bPip) module;    -   A panic button configured to send an instant message with        minimal user input that may be customized;    -   An Incident Reporting Module;    -   A Person of Interest Tracker that permits the user to identify a        specific person in a picture or video by drawing an outline        around them, which can be sent to the main system which then can        be imported into other third party systems;    -   An I.D. Verification Module;    -   A mobile profiler that permits the user to create a composite        image that represents an individual they are trying to describe;    -   A Drone Assist Module usable during live pursuit for the        tracking of individuals, by harvesting information broadcast by        their mobile device, and with continuous tracking capability        over varying geographical configurations through hand-off of        information to one or more drones;    -   Accessibility of functionality using Google Glass;    -   Wearable devices such as a security vest that may be coupled to        the App to communicate critical data to a control center, such        as the transmission of the person's vital signs (heart rate,        reparation rate, etc.) and impact data;    -   A Bail Check-In Module where bail is conditioned upon the        suspect using the App. to periodically check in and respond to        random check-in requests;    -   A Backend Engine;    -   A multi-functional pre-processing information module, which        includes transcoding of video and audio, originally captured for        storing high resolution copy, to a high efficiency format for        uploading of the data; and    -   A fan experience module.

Each of the above modules of functionality offered by the platform ofthe present invention are discussed in detail hereinafter.

The client device of the user that may provide the above functionalityof the App may communicate with server system 264 that may provide taskmanagement and device tracking functionality, and which can be deployedat one or more data centers in one or more geographic locations

GPS Location-Based Monitoring of the Police Scanner:

This module of the platform is configured to harvest radio transmissionsand information in the same manner as a police scanner. The module mayauto associate the mobile user's location with the local police bandbroadcast, and may therefore be constructed to provide the user with thecapability to only listen, by listening to the radio broadcasts on thosespecific frequencies, as shown in FIG. 4.

Alternatively, the module may also include a push-to-talk feature, whichmay utilize the voice capability of the mobile device to thereby allowthe user to participate in conversations with other mobile users of theApp. The programming of the application may emulate push-to-talkfunctionality over the cell network for each of the participating Appusers. Such conversations may be based on the user's GPS location, andmay be limited to a radial distance therefrom, so that the user may beable to monitor, for example, the reports being made by the policeofficers dispatched to a highway accident that has caused a trafficback-up stretching a great distance. Users responding to similarincidents may also be grouped together. Therefore, drivers who may haveno visual contact with the accident scene, but wish to be apprised ofits severity and any movement of the accident vehicles, which mightsuggest that traffic will soon begin to proceed normally, may use thefunctionality to contact other users who may be in close proximity tothe accident. This push-to-talk feature may also be configured tointerface with conventional radio communications (e.g., short waveradio). These conventional radio communications may be captured by areceiver, and be processed over a server, for re-encoding the audio fortransmission over the cell network to the mobile device of the user(s).

In addition, the police scanner module may be configured to run audioanalytics. The server may be receiving and recording each of the policeband channels, and may thereby be capable of picking out and identifyingkey words that are spoken on the local channel, and which would be inproximity to the user of the App. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, theuser may have an interest in any reports about their car that may havebeen stolen, and may thus enter the words “stolen vehicle,” or “stolen”and “vehicle.” The user may utilize the App to be apprised of anyprogress with respect to any event of interest to them. It may also bevery beneficial for a community at large, such as where there may beon-going criminal activity like the pursuit of the Boston Marathonbombers throughout the surrounding area, or where first responders maybe on scene, as in the case of a natural disaster (e.g., hurricanes,volcanic eruption) or other disaster (e.g., 911, a commercial airplanecrash, etc.).

User Chat by Location

An extension of the above functionality is provided by the ability togenerally engage in localized chat with other such users who are inproximity to that App user's mobile device. The module may providesettings permitting adjustment to the maximum distance away that suchother users may be distant therefrom, to be able to participate in theconversation. The threshold distance may be set according to the user'spreferences, which may vary from time to time according to theparticular situation or need. The module may determine which other Appusers are within the maximum distance. The module may also provide aninteractive map showing the other users of the App, and the positioningthereon of their mobile device through the use of respective icons. Theconversations may be textual or oral. Where textual conversations occur,they may be delineated on the map, and may be associated to the otherApp user's icon, using speech bubbles, so that the user can see all ofthe comments, and location where the person making the comments waspositioned on the map at that time.

Provision of Crime Data, Based on GPS Location and Preferences:

This module may also be configured to provide access into one or morecrime databases. The information in the crime database(s) may be sortedby location. The user of this functionality may request crime statisticsand other data for his/her current location. In addition, the user mayset his/her preferences so that the module will use the data todynamically alert the user of the threat level at the location thathe/she is currently occupying, based on the local crime statistics. Forexample, if the person is walking throughout the city of Chicago, andapproaches or enters within a threshold distance (e.g., 0.10 miles) ofan area in which there tends to be a greater prevalence of crime (eachcategory of which may be delineated on the map), the module mayperiodically send a text notification to the device while the personremains in the higher threat level areas. The user may adjust theirpersonal preferences to change the threshold distance to be a valueother than the default of one-tenth of a mile. The text notification maybe accompanied by an aural alarm, and/or a vibration alert to ensurethat the person is positively notified of the potentially hostilesurroundings, so that they may be more vigilant.

This may serve to aid a tourist to the city, who is unfamiliar with thevarious neighborhoods. The module may also contain databases for citiesin other countries, which may assist travelers who are on vacationabroad to help them remain safe while exploring among people who may noteven speak the same language.

A Bulletin Alert Module:

A bulletin alert module may be used to supplement the information thatmay already be received by the user of the mobile device, particularlyfrom the crime data base. The Bulletin module may alert the user as toany information or situations that that the client wants to push to theuser. The bulletins may be in the form of a scrolling list presented atthe top of the mobile App, which may be displayed at all times while theuser is using the application on their device.

Links may be provided within the bulletins to permit the user to drilldown into the information presented therein. The links may be configuredto display the following information:

-   -   Pictures—such as for missing persons or wanted person.    -   Video—such as a news video clip or informational video with        details of a message.    -   Website links—such as links to external sites for additional        information.        “Track Me” Module with a Trip Duration Timer

This module may allow the App user to be tracked for a specific amountof time and for a specific route. If the user exceeds the time/distanceparameters, then the device will set off a panic alarm.

To initiate the functionality, the App user may first tap on the “TrackMe” Module button shown in FIG. 3, which may result in the display ofthe screen shown in FIG. 6. The screen may permit the entering by theuser of a starting point and a destination for the trip. The module mayutilize the person's current location for the starting point of the tripby selecting “Current Location,” as the current location of the user'sdevice is generally always known. The user may also key in a startingaddress, which may be different that his/her current location, becausethe user may anticipate beginning a walking trip, perhaps after gettingoff of some form of public transportation. The App user may prefer toimmediately begin walking, and not loiter at the stop to enter theaddress, after the bus/train/car leaves the area. The destinationaddress may also be entered, or it may be retrieved from the user'shistory, by selecting “Previous Location.” Once the starting point forthe trip and the destination have been identified, the user may selectthe mode of transportation, by choosing the car icon, the bike icon, orthe hiker icon, after which the screen may change to be as shown in FIG.7. The user in this example may have chosen the current location as thestarting point, and the corner of Hirsh Street and North St. Louis Aveas the destination, and may have selected the hiker icon because theyintend to walk to the destination. The car icon and the bike icon maystill be displayed in the screen of FIG. 7, to give the user the optionto change the mode of transportation, which would recalculate theallocated walking time to instead be the corresponding driving time,according to the remaining distance (e.g., where the person may havemade an unplanned stop that required a large amount of time, and theperson may decide to take a bus instead of walking the remainingdistance).

The module may identify a preferred route, which may be based ondistance and safety (i.e., based on crime rates in the relevant areas),as well as the total distance of the route and an allotted time for thewalk. The module may provide user controls to “arm” and “disarm” thepanic notifications associated with the trip parameters. When the userbegins the trip, he/she may arm the feature, and their progress will bemonitored, both as to the distance covered and the elapsed time.

There are several different methods that may be used forarming/disarming of this feature. For example, the “Arm” buttondisplayed in the screen of FIG. 7 may just be toggled to trigger thetracking function and start the timer. However, to prevent inadvertentarming, or prank usage of this feature by someone other than the ownerof the mobile device, the module may require a passcode to be enteredafter toggling the arm button. The passcode may be the same passcode asthe security code for the user's phone. Alternatively, since the usermay already have the mobile device password protected to prevent itsunauthorized use, a different password may be customized/entered foreach individual trip made by the user, by assigning the passcode at thetime of arming. After hitting the “arm” button in FIG. 7, the system mayprompt the user for the passcode. A biometric recognition means forarming the feature may alternatively be used. The alarm can bearmed/disarmed using a fingerprint, iris scan, retina scan, facial scan,blood type or any other biometric signature that may be a feature thatis available on the device.

Alternatively, arming of the feature may occur by successfully answeringa personal question presented to the user after the “ann” button istoggled, which may serve to verify the identity of the user. Thequestions can be randomly retrieved from a predefined library ofquestions.

A pattern code may alternatively be used for arming the feature, byimparting movement to either the mobile device or an extended feature ofthe device, such as a Bluetooth connected bracelet, in a pre-determinedpattern, which may be measured by accelerometers.

Once the starting point and destination have been entered, and thefeature is properly armed, it may automatically track and display thedistances traveled and the elapsed time, as shown in FIG. 8. The modulemay display the travelers progress on the map in real time, and may alsocalculate an estimated time remaining (or an arrival time), based on thespeed of travel. As seen in FIG. 8, if the user arms the feature butdoes not begin to walk immediately, or initially walks very slowly, theestimated time remaining (e.g., 44 minutes) may be greater than the timethat was originally allotted for the trip (e.g., 43 minutes). Theallotted travel time may be determined by the method of travel, i.e.,walking, bicycle, train, or car, and it may also account for rush hourtravel times, changing traffic patterns, weather, etc.

In the case of an unforeseen delay or divergence from the preferredroute by the traveler (e.g., stopping to buy a cup of coffee), thesystem may send a message with a proposed alternate route, and/or arecalculated transit time. However, the system will need this change tobe authorized and authenticated by the user before it can be made to thecurrent trip, in order to determine if a valid detour is being initiatedby the traveler, or if a kidnapping or other malicious activity isinstead occurring. To authorize the change, the system may require theperson to complete the same procedure for arming of this feature, as hadbeen done at the start of the trip.

Another feature of the module is that it may require the traveler tocheck in periodically, to prevent the traveler from being accosted byone person, while another person continues to carry the traveler'sdevice along the route displayed thereon to simulate safe progress,which would delay the sending of an alert that might otherwise provideassistance. In addition, or alternatively, the system may randomly senda message to the traveler to request authentication as to the holder ofthe device. Moreover, if the user is traveling too slowly, and willlikely exceed the allotted time, the system may send a messagerequesting the person to authenticate that the extra time is needed, andthat it was not due to an encounter that was perceived as potentiallybeing risky and required extra caution on the part of the traveler.

For the scenario where the traveler knows in advance that he/she will bemaking one or more pre-planned stops at a location between the startingpoint and the destination, those stops may be entered as waypointsbefore the trip begins. As seen in FIG. 6, a provision may be made toenter the waypoints, similar to the entry of the starting point and thedestination, so that the traveler can plan the entire day. Once the userenters the first way point, an option may be provided to enter anotherway point, so that as many intermediate way points may be entered as arenecessary. As noted hereinabove, any variation from the preferred routebetween the starting point, the way points, and the destination, wouldrequire authentication and authorization for the re-routing.

Once the traveler has reached the destination, a couple differentoptions may be used for disarming of the tracker. First, a settingsoption may be selected by the user so that disarming automaticallyoccurs upon reaching the destination. However, to provide an added layerof security, a settings option may be selected so that he/she mustsignal the end of the tracking session, by manually disarming thefeature by toggling the “disarm” button shown in FIG. 8. Manualdisarming of the tracking feature may also require using the same methodthat had initially been used for its arming (i.e., using the passcode,when used initially). If the timer is not disarmed at the expected endof the trip, the panic alarm will be set off.

There may be a pre-programmed sequence of events by which the travelerand the system may interact, once the standard arm/disarm rules areviolated, or if the traveler deliberately toggles the “panic” buttonshown in FIG. 8 at some intermediate point on the trip.

If the person encounters a dangerous situation while en route andtoggles the panic button, the system may respond similar to a silentburglar alarm, and may trigger a request for confirmation that the userwants the panic message sent out to notify family members and/or toreceive assistance from police/fire/medical personnel. The confirmationmay be based on the predetermined user authentication method(s) thatis/are chosen. The App user may have the option to enter a pass code todeescalate the severity of the situation, because it was a false alarmor because a potential threat had dissipated (e.g., two threateningindividuals who began to confront the traveler became disinterested andeventually moved away). In this case, no further action would be takenby the system, unless the user again toggles the panic button, or thearm/disarm rules are otherwise broken.

However, if the App user responds to the request for confirmation of thepanic alarm, by entering a preprogrammed duress code, an open escalateresponse would be triggered. This may include having the system send asecond message to inquire if assistance from any one of the traditionalfirst responders is appropriate (i.e., should the system requestassistance from police, or the fire department, or emergency medicalpersonnel, or a combination of those first responders). Also, becausethe person may be unable to respond to the second message due to theseverity of the situation, the open escalate response of the system mayinclude directing PTZ cameras, if available, to scan the location of theuser's mobile device, and if warranted, sending a drone to also observethe area. The open escalate response may also include providinginstructions to the first responders who may be en route, based upon theinformation received from the cameras and/or the drone(s). The providerof the security system may also retain security ambassadors throughout acity or region—ambassadors who may be able to provide various types ofpersonal assistance in response to a panic signal sent from andconfirmed by a user. The ambassadors may also carry smart phones orother such devices, and may thereby be directly notified by a server ofthe system, regarding a nearby person who may have triggered an alertindicating that they require assistance. The ambassadors may beemployees of the service provider, or may be off duty employees, and/orsub-contractors. The App user may also have the option of selecting aparticular security ambassador as their trusted agent. The extent of theescalation may be determined in advance by the settings selected by theuser.

The App may also provide an option to the user who pressed the panicbutton, of further identifying the type of emergency, as seen in FIG.9D, so that, if able, the person in distress may identify if it is amedical emergency, or if instead his/her personal security isthreatened. If the user's personal security is threated, it maynecessitate notifying both law enforcement and medical personnel.Failure to press either button may result in both types of respondersbeing notified of the user's distress. If the user indicates that it isonly a medical emergency, the server of the system may sendnotifications to other App users in the area, to solicit help fromsomeone who may be in even closer proximity to the person in distress,than the security ambassador.

Another mode of the track me module is the provision of a panic alarmbeing sent upon the disconnection of a peripheral device. For example,the software program may be configured such that when a headphone isdisconnected from an audio jack, the alert is activated. In an Emergencythe user simply needs to disconnect the headphone and the panicnotifications are sent off. The disconnection trigger may also be tiedto the reception of a Wi-Fi Signal in a safe zone. If the Wi-Ficonnection is broken, i.e., the person moves outside the safe-zonecovered by the Wi-Fi signal, the duress may be triggered.

The system may provide several other methods to indicate that the personis under duress, which can then be treated as an escalated Panic alarm.

First, the person may enter a duress passcode, which may be a specificpasscode that signals duress. Also, if a disarm passcode is requested bythe system, and if the traveler is actually under duress at that pointin time, then he/she may instead enter the duress code, and the systemwill indicate disarming, but will actual trigger a duress alarm to thebackend. Therefore, if the traveler was accosted and intimidated intodisarming the device, they may pretend to disarm the feature, whileactually requesting assistance.

Second, the module may utilize speech recognition, and duress may beactivated when a pre-determined trigger word or phrase, such as “HelpMe,” is spoken into a microphone on the device, and recognized by thedevice. Alternatively, more discrete trigger phrases may be used, suchas “The train is leaving Cleveland.”

Third, duress may be triggered by moving or shaking the mobile device ina pre-determined pattern, so that the onboard accelerometer may detectthe pattern to initiate the duress trigger.

Fourth, duress may be triggered by exceeding a threshold distancebetween the wireless pairing of the mobile device with certain othertechnologies, such as a Bluetooth (or Wi-Fi) pairing, i.e., when pairingis broken, duress is triggered. Also, the paired device can triggerduress based on activating a specific button thereon.

Fifth, vital signs may be harvested from bracelets such as a fitnessbracelet, or a security vest with bio monitoring, or any other vitalsign monitoring device. The person can pre-determine the specific vitalsigns and thresholds which would trigger a duress alarm.

In the case where the traveler experiences duress, the map of the “trackme” feature may provide the location of the closest first responders orsecurity ambassadors that may be available to be routed toward the sceneor a specific site during a particular incident.

In addition to the panic button within the “track me feature,” a genericpanic button may also be provided for the user to utilize when they maynot traveling from point to point, and may be exposed (i.e., whilewaiting to be picked up at a bus stop). The generic panic button may bedesigned to send an instant quick message with minimal user input. Whensetting up this feature the user may be provided with severalconfiguration options from which he/she may choose. This may include apush-hold panic button, being a feature where the user pushes a buttonto arm the panic feature, and when the button is released, the panicmessage is sent. As there may be a case where the traveler determinesthat a potentially dangerous situation has been diffused and does notwish to release the button to send the panic notification, there willalso be a provision for disarming without sending the panic message,such as by the entering of a passcode. Other means of triggering thegeneric panic button may be similar to that of the panic button withinthe “track me” feature, such as:

-   -   the capability to arm the panic mode with the headset connected        to the mobile device, and to trigger the panic message if the        headset is pulled out of the device;    -   the capability to train the device to listen for a specific        trigger word or phrase to send the panic message;    -   the capability to train the device to trigger the panic message        based on a specific memorized motion;    -   the capability to send the message based on the device's battery        life being drained below a threshold amount; and        The Panic message that may be sent may have the option of        listing any one of the following therein: the last numbers        dialed by the mobile device owner, the numbers of the most        recently received calls, the most recent texts messages sent,        and the most recent text messages received etc.

In the case where the user of the App may have been accosted, and wasunable to trigger the panic button, once there is only a small amount oftime remaining of the time allotted for the trip (e.g., 3 secondsremaining), the screen of the App may change to be as seen in FIG. 9C,as the device prepares to send an alarm signal. The device may alsovibrate or beep to provide an aural alert to the user, in case the userwas merely distracted and was not under duress. If so, the user maytoggle the “I am Safe” button, otherwise the alarm will be sent as thetime expires.

In another embodiment of the Track Me Module, as seen in FIG. 9, theuser may be walking only a short distance (e.g., around the block of abad neighborhood), and/or may simply expect to be loitering in thegeneral vicinity of a particular location, such as when a worker leavesthe building where he/she works, and walks down the street to stand andwait at a bus stop. In such instances, the person's personal safety maybe uncertain for the period of time that they may have to wait alone atthe bus stop, or may be walking around the block of a familiarneighborhood, and may therefore more aptly make use of the Track MeTimer shown in FIG. 9. If the person has an expectation of having tostand/loiter at the location for a certain amount of time, they may setthe Timer to correspond to that time period. For example, if the busstops at that particular bus stop every 15 minutes, the person may, uponreaching the bus stop, set the timer for 20 minutes. The timer may beset by entering an amount of time, or if the “Select Time” option istoggled, the display may change to display a list of standard timeincrements (e.g., 5 min, 10 min., 15 min., . . . 1 hour, 1 hour and 10min., etc.) from which the user may choose. Once the time period isselected, the display may change to be as seen in FIG. 9A, in which thetime remaining before an alert is sent, is prominently displayed on thescreen (e.g., “19 Minutes Remaining”). Once the person reaches safety(e.g., boards the bus, or reaches the destination that may be around theblock), he/she may toggle the “I am Safe” button, which may be agreen-colored button that ends the time mode. If the person's safety isendangered and he/she fails to toggle the “I am Safe” button, once thetimer has counted down to “3 Seconds” remaining, the message “SendingAlarm” may be displayed on the screen, and may be flashing and be yellowcolored. In addition, the software may prompt the device to vibrate tobring the warning message to the user's attention, in case they are notin any danger, and have merely forgotten to toggle the “I am Safe”button. Once the time is exhausted (“ZERO TIME REMAINING”), as seen inFIG. 9C, the alarm will be sent, and will be so indicated on the screen.

In yet another embodiment of the Track Me module, the user may insteadhave the option of being tracked in relation to a Geo-fence, as seen inFIG. 6. The user may “Select” an existing Geo-Fence, or may create oneusing a map screen that may be displayed for the user. A plurality ofexisting Geo-Fences may be supplied with the App, such as Universitycampus boundary, neighborhood boundaries, National Park boundaries, etc.If the user selects a university Geo-Fence boundary, the App may notifythe user once he/she leaves the campus grounds, and may display amessage onscreen with a red or red/blue button (e.g., a message stating,“You are currently outside of the campus area, please click this buttonto call 911”). Pressing the button would immediately dial 911 and send apre-recorded message for help. While in the Geo-Fence track me mode, theApp may send messages and reports to a predefined email address, SMS, ormay autodial to a selectable individual (or any combination of theabove), which may allow the App to work independently of a commandcenter.

Blue-Phone-in-Pocket Module;

A variation of the Track Me module is the Blue-Phone-in-Pocket (bPip)module. The blue light emergency phone has been a college/universitycampus security staple for the past 25 years. Most colleges typicallyhave 25 to 100 or more blue light phones distributed throughout thecampus. However, the cost to install, maintain, and upgrade thesesystems from analog to digital, as well as integrating modem securitymeasures therein is very high, especially when compared to the low levelfunctionality afforded by the phones. Campus blue light phones feature apush-button which sends an alarm to whoever is monitoring the system.Two way communication is established at least while the person stands atthat phone/location.

Because nearly every student on campus has a mobile phone and a datanetwork, either cellular or campus Wi-Fi, when they are in trouble orneed assistance, they may instead simply pull up the bPip module oftheir See it Send it App on their phone. Such use of the person's owndevice would typically be much faster than if the student had to firstlocate and then walk/run to the nearest blue light phone, if they areeven able to proceed to the phone. When the App user pushes the bluebutton of the App on the screen of his/her phone to request help, theApp may instantly record and transmit key information. Such informationmay include the student's name and contact information, the exact timethat the button was pressed, the location of the user's device (via GPS,etc.) at the time they pushed the button. The App may also communicatethis information to a command center (SOC).

The App may also communicate audio from the phone's microphone/speakerto potentially appraise emergency responders as to the current conditionof the person in distress, and the presence of other people who may bein his/her vicinity. The App may also communicate visual data using thephone's camera (video or periodic snapshots, perhaps being roughly every5 seconds) to further appraise emergency responders as to the situationsurrounding the person in distress. The App may also record the audioand visual data, in addition to sending it to the SOC. The SOC Operatormay therefore be able to immediately call the phone to establishcommunication and inquire the exact condition/status of the student,and/or find out what assistance is needed.

The SOC may also know what other persons may be in the area (e.g., otherstudent users of the App, faculty members who may use the App, andemergency responders). This feature therefore provides multiplebenefits, as the SOC may direct those students/faculty members to act ina responsible and an appropriately safe manner, which may depend uponthe nature of the emergency.

Where a student (or even a faculty member) may only experience astand-alone medical emergency and uses the App to request assistance(e.g., fell and broke a leg, person is experiencing symptoms indicatingthe onset of a heart attack, etc.) the SOC may ask any availablestudents/faculty in close proximity to the person requiring assistance,to respond to the call for help, and render immediate assistance untilemergency responders can arrive on the scene. To accomplish thisfunctionality the App may thus communicate with a central server tocontinuously transmit and identify the location of each user via the GPScapability of his/her device. This permits the location of each user tobe superimposed on a map, in relation to the position of the personexperiencing the medical emergency, all of which may be available to theSOC. The SOC may then call one or more App users who may be in closeproximity to the person in distress, to ask if any would provideassistance, and to direct them to the person in distress if they agreeto render aid.

The system software also may automatically send text requests to othernearby students to ask for their assistance, and to direct them to theperson in distress, as there may be 10 of 15 students nearby, which mayrequire an excessive amount of time for the SOC to call to ascertain whomay be willing to respond for a particular incident.

Alternatively, or addition to the SOC calling personally or the textmessages, the server may automatically call several of the nearest Appusers and deliver a pre-recorded message requesting that the userprovide assistance for the medical emergency, and with the serveradditionally providing specific directions at the end of thepre-recorded message fir each particular App user, to particularlydirect each user to the person requiring assistance.

A reward system may also be used to encourage willing and able studentsto respond, such as a small cash award (e.g., $25) as a financialincentive to the first student to reach the person in distress, whichmay be determined by the GPS data received by the server and displayedon the map monitored by the SOC. To prevent fraud on the system, theperson requesting assistance may also agree to a monetary fee for suchemergency usage, where the fee may be used for the reward. This closedloop would serve to prevent two or more students from attempting todefraud the system to earn response fees for a staged incident.

In a different scenario, the App and the SOC may direct thosestudents/faculty members to act very differently in order to beresponsible and safe, which may occur when the nature of the emergencyis dangerous to them and/or to other person's in the area. Such anemergency may just be a physical altercation between two individuals, ormay be when a shooting incident occurs on campus or in a community, inproximity to the App users, particularly when the shooting is ongoing.In this case the APP may send a warning to the App user to direct themaway from the shooting incident. Although it is common to send a textmessage as a warning for certain events, particularly meteorologicalevents (e.g., a flood alert), such text messages quite often gounnoticed by students for a substantial period of time, because studentsoften send/receive hundreds of text messages a day, and because thestudents may be in the middle of class and may be waiting until the endof class to review any messages received. To avoid the risk that astudent would delay receiving such an alert, the App may be set up touse the speaker of the user's device to provide a loud (e.g., fullvolume) aural warning (e.g., “Warning—Danger, Shooting in Progress—exitcampus immediately avoiding Building X”). The aural message mayrepeatedly be announced on the device until the user acknowledges thealert by toggling a button on the screen of his/her device.Alternatively, the aural alert may continue at a reduced volume, untilthe person has traveled away from proximity to the perceived danger zone(e.g., moves to be a threshold distance away, e.g., at least a quarterof a mile away, from GPS location of the shooting incident, or theshooter's current location if on the move). Because such an event maypersist for a lengthy period of time, as in the 2007 shooting spree atVirginia Polytechnic Institute which took two hours to be finallyresolved, students that may have received an initial warning text, mayresume their usual activities and may be less aware of the continuingdanger. Therefore, the App may also provide additional warnings to thoseApp users who may be immediately outside of the threshold safetydistance (i.e., less than a second threshold distance away, such as lessthan a half a mile away but more than a quarter mile away), and who maybe in transit and heading generally toward the shooter's location. Tobetter appraise the App user of the potentially dangerous direction oftravel, the App may send a series of periodic warning texts identifyingthe shooter's location, such as a text message every 5 seconds, or every10 seconds, etc., until the App user ceases movement towards theshooter.

The App may similarly utilize one or more textual warning message forother categories of events (e.g., non-violent criminal activity such asreported thefts, or natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes,severe lightning storms, etc.).

In general, some of the benefits of the bPip module are quickerreporting and identification of the problem; richer, more accurate andtimely data as well as real time updates of that data; provision ofsituational awareness data (who is around there), faster possibleresponse time to the location to mitigate the event, etc. The (bPip)module provides students better access to an emergency device (their ownphone) at a lower overall cost than the blue phone, with bettersituational results. The (bPip) module may also send messages andreports to a predefined email address, SMS, or a selectable individual,or any combination of those options, which may permit the module to workindependently of the command center.

Incident Reporting Module;

The mobile App may include an incident reporting module, which may havethe capability to report the details of an incident, including thecategory of the incident, the location, a brief description of theincident, and any related pictures or video that may have been captured.

With respect to the category of the incident, the user may be able tochoose from several standard categories. The module may also be utilizedby a particular organization/client (i.e., a neighborhood watch group),and that organization may create their own categories for their users toselect from, such as: Suspicious Activity, Crime in Progress,Maintenance, etc.

With respect to the location of the incident, some standard locationchoices may be provided, such as “Use My Current Location.” Also, theclient may create their own locations for their users to select from,such as: “Parking Lot A.” or “Admin. Building.” or “Penn Station,” etc.

With respect to the description of the incident, a free form text fieldmay be provided for the user to enter a textual description. This may besupplemented with pictures/video, for which several options may beprovided. The App user may have the choice to utilize the onboard cameraof the device to take new photos or videos, or may instead selectexisting photo/video files. Once the photo or video file is selected,the application may start uploading the file to a temporary area on aserver of a system administrator, while waiting for the command tosubmit the incident. Once the incident is submitted, the textualdescription and other data may be submitted immediately, even if thefile upload is not complete. The file upload may follow the data, andonce the upload is complete, the incident data on the server may beupdated. The incident data may also include three dimensional GPScoordinates, as well as unique identifiers from the device, and theidentity of the user that was logged as having submitted the incident.

Person of Interest Tracker Module;

When an incident does occur, and the App user was able to obtain eithera photo or some video that includes the person responsible for theincident, they may utilize this feature to enable tracking of thatperson. With this module, the user can identify a specific person in apicture or video that includes more than one person. The App user mayidentify the person by drawing an outline around them using a stylus, orjust using their finger. This module allows the user to create theinitial reference files which can be sent to the system administrator,which then can also be imported into various other third party systems,including those utilized by law enforcement agencies. This feature canalso be used to identify “objects” of interest, such as bags, cars,animals, etc., and may also be used to identify “areas” of interest(e.g., a particular storage unit at a self-storage center, etc.). As aresult of drawing an outline around a person or an object of interest,the App may utilize an algorithm to create a unique digital signature ofthe person/object. The algorithm may use many factors to create thesignature, including but not limited to; curvature of the suspect'sspine, the person's walking gate, color contrast, aspect ratio, size,etc.

This module may also include the capability to pre-process a uniquedigital signature from the video stream or picture, so that it can bechecked and cross referenced with databases from third party systems andmatched against signatures generated by their databases for theidentification of persons (or objects and/or the finding of locations).The user's mobile device, which may be referred to herein as an edgedevice (i.e., they act as an entry point for data), may be loaded withspecific algorithms to pre-process information on the device CPU, beforesending it to the main system of the administrator. This may be veryadvantageous when hundreds and even thousands of loads are taken care ofindividually on multiple edge devices before sending to the main systemfor additional processing.

I.D. Verification Module;

This module may include the capability of capturing pictures or datafrom or about individuals, and of comparing the data to data withinexisting internal databases or third party databases for matches. Thismodule may be capable of taking pictures of a person, or their I.D.card, or employee badge, a bar code, a QR code, etc., and may performoptical character recognition (OCR) on the image, and may crossreference the data with the database of a third party access controlsystem (ACS). Upon a match in the data or a positive identification ofthe individual person, the system may capture the data from the ACS andsend it back to the user's mobile device. A photo of a person may beanalyzed by a facial recognition algorithm to compare it against adatabase of images.

The module may have access to certain police databases where, withspecial permission, access to limited information on specificindividuals may be provided. The system administrator may correlateinformation gathered on specific individuals and utilize the informationas an internal knowledge database.

Mobile Profiler to Create Composite Images;

The mobile profiler module may provide the user with the capability ofcreating an image to send as a representation of an individual that theyare trying to describe. The mug shot sketcher portion may provide thecapability of selecting facial features to create a “mug shot.” TheAvatar Creator portion of the module may permit creation of an avatar byselecting from a series of choices, such as male or female, shirt color,pants color, etc. The mobile profiler module may also permitcollaborative creation of the avatar, as it may be shared with other Appusers. Thus the avatar created by one user may be modified or improvedby a second App user (e.g., “the person's nose was a little bigger”),and it may also be updated by subsequent users (e.g., “now he is wearinga red jacket . . . ”). This may be very useful in many differentscenarios, including, for example, where a suspect robs a store and runsout past a group of people who may thereafter each individually and thencollaboratively use the module to sketch an avatar that represents thesuspect. Even in the situation where two or more people separatelycreate an avatar to represent the suspect and do not thereaftercollaborate, the system may utilize an algorithm to combine features ofthe two avatars to form a collaborative avatar. The system may also becapable of using that 3d avatar to search through video to identifyanyone fitting that profile, which may be done in real-time or near realtime.

Drone Assist Module;

This module offers features/functionality for utilizing droneassistance, which is particularly advantageous during live pursuit overvarying geographical configurations where there crowds. The module maypermit tracking via GPS & Wi-Fi, of both people and assets. Phones ormobile devices emit signals while looking for GPS or for Wi-Ficonnection, even if not connecting to specific Wi-Fi. The drone canidentify the particular individual by the specific signal given off bytheir phone, and may track them by tracking the signal. Once a suspect,asset, or other person of interest has been identified and they run intoa crowd, a building, a tunnel, tree cover, etc., where it may bedifficult to track them visually, the drone can still track and identifythat person by the signal given off by their mobile device.

The module may also be configured to permit auto tracking using onboardvideo, to be capable of tracking dynamically while on the move. Themodule may also be able to identify and track individuals by the signalbroadcast by their mobile devices to continually track with thecapability to hand off to another drone, and to share the informationwith any other modules herein. Different hovering patterns may beselected for the drone when tracking an asset or another person.

As an example, an asset (e.g., a police officer, security guard, etc.)may be chasing a suspect on foot or in a vehicle. A drone may track andfollow the chase visually from the air, and may also be sending thatvideo to the App running on the mobile device of the asset. If thesuspect disappears around a corner or takes cover somewhere, and theasset becomes uncertain of the direction the suspect went and/or thepotential danger posed by the situation, he/she can look at his mobileapp and watch the live video from the drone. The video may inform theasset of the direction taken by the evasive suspect, and whether thesuspect may be waiting around the corner with a weapon pointed in thedirection from which the asset may need to continue the pursuit. Thedrone may also provide the asset, through the App on his/her mobiledevice, a local map upon which the position of the suspect's mobiledevice is located.

Accessibility of Functionality Using Google Glass;

The user's mobile App may be coded to be capable of being utilized withGoogle Glass. The user may therefore have the capability to scan andsearch using the Google Glass technology, and obtain photographicimages, which may be used in conjunction with the above describedmodules of the “See It Send It” platform to process the images andobtain live data. Real time guidance may be provided to the user toaccess the functionality of the “See it Send it” mobile platform usingtheir Google Glass. The Google Glass may be used for controlling anduploading pictures and video. A dashboard capability may be provided toguide the user through the functionality in Google Glass. The dashboardmay permit selection of a fixed camera to be monitored by the user, andmay also permit selection of a pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) camera configured tofollow IR pulse emissions. The dashboard may also permit selecting oflive drone feed video in theater while in pursuit of person of interest,as well as the scrolling of bulletins to users while on the go.

Wearable Devices;

The App of the present invention may be configured to coordinate withcertain wearable devices that may communicate critical data through themobile App to the control center of the administrator. One wearabledevice may be a security vest that may be able to transmit vital signsand impact data through the mobile App to the administrator.

Bail Check-In Module;

This module is intended for the bail bond industry and allows forperiodic check in. This module may provide an opt-in feature where bailis given with the condition that the suspect uses the application tocheck in as required. The module may also be used for where a prisoneris released on parole, and that parolee is required to routinely checkin with a parole office. The terms “suspect” and “parolee” are thereforeintended to be used interchangeably herein. The key features of themodule are:

User Check-In Screen—This aspect of the module is configured forscheduled check-ins, and an automatic alert generated to remind thesuspect to check in as required. The module also provides for triggeringa random check in by the suspect. When the suspect responds to the alertand performs the required response or entry of information, thesuspect's GPS location may also be sent back to system.

Authentication—This aspect of the mobile app may be configured toauthenticate the identity of the suspect/parolee using one of severaldifferent methodologies, i.e., Random security questions, voice patternrecognition based on randomly generated phrases, fingerprintidentification, an iris scan, a retina scan, a facial scan, blood type,or any other biometric signature that is an available feature of thedevice.

Stealth Tracking—This aspect of the module is configured to inform thebail bond company as to the location of the suspect, using either arandom ping to the mobile device, or a periodically timed ping. Thisfeature may be put into effect when a bail applicant opts in to theprogram during his or her bail application. If the suspect violates theterms and conditions set by the bail requirements, an SMS message issent to the subject, and the GPS location of the suspect willimmediately be sent during the interaction to the bail bond company.

Auto Ping—This aspect of the module is configured to automatically pingthe mobile device to obtain its location, without any end userintervention, to ensure that the app is online and functioning properly,and that it has not been de-activated.

Geofencing Screen—This aspect of the module may provide an on-screen mapimage of the region surrounding the suspect, which may include acustomized geographic perimeter within which the suspect is required toremain, in order to ensure that the terms and policies of bail are beingadhered to. It may also include one or more pre-defined restricted zonestherein, into which the suspect/parolee is prohibited from entering,such as a school zone, etc.

Call Recording—This aspect of the module may provide the capability torecord inbound and outbound calls made with the device if thesuspect/parolee is in violation of the bail condition.

Bracelet Pairing—This aspect of the module may provide the capability tofunctionally pair auxiliary devices to the mobile phone using Bluetoothor Wi-Fi. Suitable auxiliary devices may include a leg or wrist securitybracelet. Once paired, the authentication mechanism will utilize thepairing with the auxiliary device secured to the suspect, to ensure thatthe suspect is physically located in acceptable proximity to the mobiledevice.

Landline Caller ID Using Access Code—This aspect of the module mayprovide additional verification of the suspect/parolee location bymessaging the person to call a dial back number using a land line. Thesystem may verify the land line location through the phone carrier tofurther validate the suspect's current location, by corroborating thatthe landline and the mobile device are co-located.

Authentication—This aspect of the module may provide authentication ofthe identity of the parolee using multiple methoxlologies, i.e., randomsecurity questions, finger print using sensor on smart-phone, iris scan,retina scan using a camera on the phone, or voice pattern recognitionbased on randomly generated phrases.

Backend Engine:

A software back end engine in the cloud ingesting data from all the edgedevices may be provided. Data captured or created by the user may bestored on and pre-processed by his/her mobile device, by the software ofa Mobile Engine installed and running thereon. The information and/orattachments may then be sent via wireless communication through anetwork into the Backend Engine which has processing power and storagevia servers and databases within its infrastructure. The informationsubmitted may be processed further and stored. The Backend Engine may bedynamic with load balancers, automatic provisioning, sharding, andclustering for additional capacity. The Backend Engine may then sendinformation back to the mobile device's Mobile Engine where additionalcommands can be executed or data gathered and sent back to the Backendengine. This iterative process may repeat multiple times while executingcommands and working within an infrastructure consisting of the BackendEngine, one or more Mobile Engines, and mobile device users as well asexternal and internal databases and data stores.

Filtering and processing functions may be programmed, including but notlimited to: Video, Audio, Text, and Correlation. The back end engine,which may also include a Geospatial GIS engine, may connect to thirdparty databases and third party systems such as Google etc. The backendengine may also be configured to do auto-stitching of video and pictureson a geographical interface. The back end engine may also include thefollowing:

Search Analytics—The backend engine may have the capability to processinformation in real time using video analytics to identify itemsincluding but not limited to:

-   -   Color—i.e., finding people wearing blue jackets and black pants;    -   Vehicles—by license plate number or specific car colors;    -   Location—filter search by geographical location;    -   Key words—text analysis such as “suspicious bag”    -   Facial Recognition—By matching facial signature and or facial        features in a database in comparison to what is being uploaded.

Geo Fencing—The backend engine may have the capability to dynamicallyand in real time create and section off a zone on a map, and provide andalert if someone, or some type of incident, is inside or outside of theboundaries. The engine is configured to create rules around zones forthe occurrence of such incidences.

Situator Interface—the engine may accommodate bidirectionalcommunication and interface into Nice Situator PSIM system (PhysicalSecurity Information Management, by TM Group Technology Management),i.e., sending audio, video, pictures and incident information into aNice Situator and vice versa. The engine may also push information fromthe Situator to the mobile app users.

Altitude Calculation—The backend engine may also have the functionalityto track and locate a person using latitude and longitude coordinates,and also altitude. The back end engine may operate to calibrate thedetected altitude with the floor number of a particular building, i.e.,it may locate a person, giving the street address, building number, andthe floor number.

Multi-Functional Pre-Processing Information Module;

This module may provide Application and software intelligence running onthe mobile device that may be used for pre-processing of both structuredand unstructured information, i.e., video, audio, text. Some features ofthis module include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dual Encoding—The mobile engine may be able to take video and audio thatwas captured to store high resolution copy, and encode and transcode thevideo to a high efficiency format so that the data can be uploaded inthe most efficient manner, as quickly as possible using the minimalamount of resource, especially bandwidth, and in an automatic fashion.The back end engine may collaborate with the mobile engine to select themost efficient stream available for uploading (i.e., Jpg, mjpg, mpg4,h.263, h.264, h.265, etc.). The encoding/transcoding can optimize thevideo data by 2 methodologies:

-   -   1) Frame rate dilution, i.e., 30 fps to 15 fps to 7 fps to 3 fps        to I fps.    -   2) Resolution drop, i.e., 2 mp to 1 mp to 4 cif to 2D to CIF.

Edge Analytics—Pre-Processing using the edge device CPU with specificalgorithms is also provided. The user's mobile device, also referred toas the edge device, can be loaded with specific algorithms topre-process information on the device CPU before sending it to the mainsystem. Examples include video analytics, facial recognition, audioanalytics and text to speech and speech to text.

Smart Transmission—Smart transmission gives the functionality to startpre-uploading images and other data into a temporary file on the serveruntil the send command is executed. Smart transmission may also includesending low resolution files quickly, and the higher resolution files asa follow up, or when bandwidth availability allows. The application maysend data using Wi-Fi, cellular, or other network connectivityavailable, or any combination of available connections.

Authentication Biometrics—the pre-processing information module mayprocess biometric data, including, but is not limited to, fingerprints,iris scans, retina scans, facial scans, a blood type, or any otherbiometric signature, using the features available of the particularmobile device.

Voice—the pre-processing information module may perform voice patternrecognition and voice matching for authentication using predeterminedphrases or random phrases. This feature may also be used to pre-processdata stored on any recorded voices.

Unique Personal Data—the pre-processing information module may providean automatic list of questions from a library of pre-populated personalquestions.

POI, Object, or Area Search on Video/Pictures—using this capability ofthe pre-processing information module, the user can identify a specificPOI (Person Of Interest) or an object in a picture or video, and selectthe person/object by drawing an ellipse or square or any other specificoutline around them. This feature may allow the user to create theinitial reference files that can be sent to the main system, which thencan also be imported into various other third party systems. Thisfeature can also be used to identify “objects” of interest such as bags,cars, animals, as well as outline “areas” of interest.

Data Destruction—the pre-processing information module may provide thecapability to delete data after being viewed and once the parameters aremet. An additional option may be provided to multiple over-write uponthe sectors that the data was originally written upon. There may also bean option to do a delete and multiple overwrite at both the source anddestination.

Data Authentication—the pre-processing information module may beconfigured to authenticate that the data sent from a specific mobiledevice was actually sent from that particular mobile device. A uniquewatermark may be generated based on the device serial number and ID.This feature may also provide for maintaining the chain of custody ofthe data.

Secure Transmission—The mobile engine may be configured to sendinformation in an encrypted and secure manner to the back end engine andassociated cloud.

Fan Experience Module;

This module may provide information for fans attending an event at astadium, and may also provide security information to keep them awareand safe while approaching and in attendance at the venue. Some featuresof this module include, but are not limited to, the following:

Parking assist/Parking Lot Section—This aspect of the module may providethe user with up-to-date information as to where parking spaces arestill available. Moreover, once the person finds and parks in anavailable parking spot, the App may identify and store the location oftheir parked car, so that it may provide direction after the event tohelp the person later find his/her way back to their car.

Best Queue—This aspect of the module may tell the fan where to enter thestadium for the shortest queue, and may give directions based on acurrent position and crowd conditions (e.g., “Entry at lane F—walkforward 450 feet and turn right . . . ”).

Seat Find—This aspect of the module may tell the fan the best way toproceed to their seat, based on a current position and crowd conditions

Social media alerts—This aspect of the module may provide the fans withalerts based on social media postings, which may warn the fan that somehazardous/dangerous activity may be going on, to warn them to move awayfrom or to avoid a specific section (e.g., “fight breaking out inSection C . . . ,” or “ice being thrown on steps between Sections E andF,” etc.).

Got-to-Pee—This aspect of the module may provide the fan with directionsto the nearest bathroom, based on a current position and crowdconditions, and may also evaluate and appraise the user ofcongestion/wait times.

Concession Stand/Beer Stand/Kiosk—This aspect of the module may providethe fan with directions to the nearest Concession Stand/BeerStand/Kiosk, based on a current position and crowd conditions, and mayalso evaluate and appraise the user of congestion/wait times.

Vendor Request—Asks what is needed/requested and based on section . . .takes collective consensus—sends vendors with the right mix and ratios(e.g., beer/soda, Chips/Popcorn, etc.).

Food Order—This aspect of the module may provide a full menu of fooditems available so that the fan can utilize one of the following:

-   -   ReadyOrder—submits the food order so that the selections may be        prepared and ready when they go to pick it up and pay at the        kiosk/window.    -   FullServ—permits the fan to pay for the food order online and        have the order delivered directly to their seat.

Jumbotron Submit—This aspect of the module may permit the fan to submitpictures (e.g., selfies) and/or video so that it may be displayed uponthe jumbotron in the stadium.

Sell Time/Auction Time—This aspect of the module may permit the fan topay for or bid on a segment of time, during which their picture or videosubmission would be displayed on the jumbotron.

Game Interact—This aspect of the module may permit the fan to pay for orbid on a segment of time, during which they may launch interactive gameson the jumbotron/win video position, etc.

VIP Access—This aspect of the module may permit the fan to receiveinternal communications from the organization that may be hosting theevent at the stadium (e.g., the NFL/NBA/MLB, etc.), such as dugoutpictures, microphone feeds, player pictures, etc.

Entry Exit—This aspect of the module may help the fan to find the bestor quickest exit out of the venue, and may provide directions based on acurrent position and crowd conditions.

Emergency Exit—Gives emergency evacuation information and directionsbased on a current position and crowd/safety conditions.

Panic—may include the same functionality as the main app but is embeddedinto the fan experience module.

Incident Reporting—may include the same functionality as the main appbut is embedded into the fan experience module.

Software of the present invention may run on a suitable computingdevice, such as a server, a tablet, a cell phone, or other mobile smartdevice, so a description of such an accessorized exemplary computersystem is hereinafter disclosed, even though a particular embodiment maynot require all of the described components. Exemplary computer system200 (i.e., a client device associated with a particular user) is shownschematically in FIG. 10, and which may comprise computing unit 201interacting with external peripherals 202, such as a separate touchscreen display 244, and interacting with network resources 203,including use of the internet 261, and other computers (or other clientdevices or a server), which may be a laptop computer 262 (i.e., a secondclient device associated with a second user), a smart phone 263 (i.e., athird client device associated with a third user), a server 264, etc.

The computing unit 201 may include a data bus 224 for communicatinginformation across and among various parts of computing unit 201, and acentral processing unit, which may be a microprocessor (hereinafter“processor” or “CPU”) 222 coupled with a bus 224 for processinginformation and performing other computational and control tasks.Computing unit 201 may also include a volatile storage 225, such as arandom access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled tobus 224 for storing various information as well as instructions to beexecuted by processor 222. The volatile storage 225 may also be used forstoring temporary variables or other intermediate information duringexecution of instructions by processor 222. Computing unit 201 mayfurther include a read only memory (ROM) or an erasable programmablememory (EPROM) 227 or other static storage device coupled to bus 224 forstoring static information and instructions for processor 222, such asbasic input-output system (BIOS), as well as various systemconfiguration parameters. A persistent storage device or non-volatilememory 226, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state flashmemory device may be provided and may be coupled to bus 224 for storinginformation and instructions.

Computing unit 201 may be coupled via bus 224 to an integral display221, possibly a touch-screen display, for use in displaying informationto a user. If desired, computing unit 201 may be coupled via bus 224 toan external display screen 244. An external input device 243 (e.g., astandard keyboard) may be coupled to bus 224 for communicatinginformation and command selections to processor 222. A cursor controldevice 242, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, maybe used for communicating direction information and command selectionsto processor 222 and for controlling cursor movement on display 244. Anexternal storage device 241 may be connected to the computing unit 201via bus 224 to provide an extra or removable storage capacity for thecomputing unit 201, which may be used to facilitate exchange of datawith other computer systems.

Some of the techniques herein may be performed by computing unit 201 inresponse to processor 222 executing one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions contained in the volatile memory 225. Execution of thesequences of instructions contained in a non-transitory memory may causeprocessor 222 to perform the process steps described herein. Inalternative embodiments, specific hard-wired digital circuitry may beused in place of or in combination with, software instructions toimplement the invention.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor 222 forexecution. The computer-readable medium is just one example of amachine-readable medium, which may carry instructions for implementingany of the methods and/or techniques described herein. Various forms ofcomputer readable media may contain one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions for the processor 222 to execute, including non-volatilemedia (storage device 226), and volatile media (storage device 225).Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, aCD-ROM, a flash drive, and a memory card.

The computing unit 201 may thus also include a communication interface,such as network interface card 223 coupled to the data bus 222.Communication interface 223 may provide a two-way data communicationcoupling to a network link that may be connected to a local network. Forexample, communication interface 223 may be an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communicationconnection to a corresponding type of telephone line, or it may be alocal area network interface card (LAN NIC) to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN.

Network link 223 also typically provides data communication to othernetwork resources. For example, the network link may provide aconnection over the internet 261 to the world-wide-web. Thus, thecomputing unit 201 can access resources located anywhere using theInternet 261. Also, the computing unit 201 may also be accessed by, orcommunicate with, other computers (e.g. 262), or another smart device(e.g., smartphone 263), generally with permission, and which may belocated anywhere with access to the internet 261.

The examples and descriptions provided merely illustrate a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art and havingthe benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that furtherembodiments may be implemented with various changes within the scope ofthe present invention. Other modifications, substitutions, omissions andchanges may be made in the design, size, materials used or proportions,operating conditions, assembly sequence, or arrangement or positioningof elements and members of the preferred embodiment without departingfrom the spirit of this invention.

We claim:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: configuring aplurality of client devices for continuously transmitting its respectivegeographic location wirelessly over a network to a server; configuringthe server for continuously monitoring the geographic location of eachof the client devices; configuring each of the plurality of clientdevices for selectively transmitting an alert from the respective deviceto the server; configuring the server for identifying when one of saidclient devices is transmitting the alert; configuring the server fortransmitting a message to a selective one or more of said plurality ofclient devices being in proximity to the one client device transmittingthe alert.
 2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1,further comprising: configuring the server to notify emergency medicalresponders when the one client devices transmits an alert for a medicalemergency; configuring the server for to call and transmit apre-recorded voice message to each of said plurality of client devicesbeing in proximity to the one client device of the user requiringassistance; and configuring the server for providing respectivedirections for each of the client devices in said proximity to the oneclient device of the user requiring medical assistance, to respectivelyproceed to the one user requiring medical assistance.
 3. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 2, further comprising:charging a fee for transmitting of the alert for the medical emergencyby the one client devices; and paying a reward to a user of a firstclient device of said plurality of proximal client devices, that reachesthe user requiring medical assistance.
 4. The computer-implementedmethod according to claim 1, further comprising: configuring the serverto notify law enforcement officials when the user of any of theplurality of client devices transmits an alert for a physicalaltercation; and configuring the server for sending a text message toall of the other client devices for identifying the location of thephysical altercation.
 5. The computer-implemented method according toclaim 1, further comprising: configuring the server for monitoring localpolice frequencies and for performing audio analytics for key wordsindicating an occurrence and a location of a shooting incident;configuring the server for sending a text message warning any of theplurality of client devices outside of a first threshold distance awayfrom the location of the shooting; and configuring the server fortriggering a continuous aural warning using a speaker of each clientdevice being within said first threshold distance away from the locationof the shooting.
 6. The computer-implemented method according to claim5, further comprising: configuring the server for monitoring a directionof travel of any of the plurality of client devices outside of saidfirst threshold distance away from the location of the shooting, butbeing within a second threshold distance away, said second thresholddistance being greater than said first threshold distance; andconfiguring the sever for providing periodic text messages to thedirection-of-travel-monitored devices that are currently travelingtoward the location of the shooting.
 7. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: configuring the server forassociating a geographic location of each of a plurality of clientdevices with a respective local police band broadcast; selectivelytransmitting the respective local police band broadcast to each saidclient device; configuring the server for performing audio analytics ofeach respective local police band broadcast for identifying one or moredesired key words.
 8. The computer-implemented method according to claim1, further comprising: configuring each of the plurality of clientdevices for push-to-talk voice transmitting and receiving over thenetwork, with one or more other said client devices, when within a setradial distance away.
 9. The computer-implemented method according toclaim 8, further comprising: receiving conventional radiocommunications; configuring the server for re-encoding the receivedconventional radio communications and for transmitting the re-encodedradio communications over the network; selectively receiving thetransmitted re-encoded radio communications by a user of one of saidplurality of client devices.
 10. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 8, further comprising: configuring each of theplurality of client devices for respectively adjusting the set radialdistance for said transmitting and receiving.
 11. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 10, further comprising:configuring each of the plurality of client devices for displaying aninteractive map, and for positioning thereon of icons respectivelyidentifying each of the plurality of client devices being within the setradial distance and currently transmitting and receiving over thenetwork.
 12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 10,further comprising: configuring each of the plurality of client devicesfor identifying each of the client devices currently transmitting andreceiving over the network, by using speech bubbles in conjunction withsaid icons.
 13. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1,further comprising: configuring each of the plurality of client devicesfor entering of a desired time period; and configuring each of theplurality of client devices for automatically transmitting an alertafter the entered period of time expires.
 14. The computer-implementedmethod according to claim 1, further comprising: configuring each of theplurality of client devices for entering of a respective destination fora trip, for entering of a starting point for the trip, for selecting ofa mode of transportation for the trip, for indicating the start of thetrip; configuring the server for identifying a preferred route for thetrip entered by the one of said client devices, based upon: a distanceof the trip, a crime rate for areas between the starting point and thedestination, and based on the mode of transportation; configuring theserver for calculating an allotted time for the trip, based on the modeof transportation, the distance, the current traffic pattern, and theweather; configuring the server for tracking each of the client devicesduring a respectively entered trip; and configuring each of theplurality of client devices for transmitting the alert to the serverwhen the client device is deviating beyond a threshold amount from thepreferred route or from the allotted time for the respectively enteredtrip.
 15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, furthercomprising: configuring each of the plurality of client devices formodifying the preferred route and the allotted time when authorized by auser of the respective client device.
 16. The computer-implementedmethod according to claim 15, further comprising: configuring each ofthe plurality of client devices for modifying the mode oftransportation, the preferred route, and the allotted time, whenauthorized by a user of the respective client device.
 17. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 14, further comprising:configuring each of the plurality of client devices for identifying thestart of the trip by one or more of: by manually toggling of a startbutton; by entering a passcode; by answering a security question from alibrary of such questions; by using a biometric identification means;and by imparting movement to the client device in a pre-determinedpattern.
 18. The computer-implemented method according to claim 17,further comprising: configuring each of the plurality of client devicesfor displaying a map indicating the preferred route for the trip, andreal-time progress as to elapsed time, time remaining, and distanceremaining.
 19. The computer-implemented method according to claim 18,further comprising: configuring each of the plurality of client devicesfor prompting the user of the respective client device to approve aprojected delay for a respectively entered trip that is deviating beyondthe threshold amount from the preferred route or from the allotted time.20. The computer-implemented method according to claim 19, furthercomprising: configuring each of the plurality of client devices foraccepting the approved delay only by the user performing one or more of:re-entering the passcode; answering another security question; by usingthe biometric identification means; and by imparting the pre-determinedpattern of movement to the client device.
 21. The computer-implementedmethod according to claim 19, further comprising: configuring each ofthe plurality of client devices for randomly requiring authentication ofthe user, by the user performing one or more of: re-entering thepasscode; answering another security question; by using the biometricidentification means; and by imparting the pre-determined pattern ofmovement to the client device.
 22. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 14, further comprising: configuring each of theplurality of client devices for entering of one or more intermediatewaypoints between the starting point and the destination; andconfiguring the server for identifying a preferred route and forcalculating an allotted time for the trip by furthermore including theone or more waypoints.
 23. The computer-implemented method according toclaim 14, further comprising: configuring each of the plurality ofclient devices for terminating the trip without sending the alert, uponoccurrence of any of the following: reaching the destination; andtoggling a disarm button in conjunction with one or more of thefollowing: re-entering the passcode; answering another securityquestion; by using the biometric identification means; and by impartingthe pre-determined pattern of movement to the client device
 24. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 14, further comprising:configuring each of the plurality of client devices for triggering thealert by any of the following: manually toggling a panic button;disconnecting of a peripheral device; moving the client device in apre-determined pattern; moving outside of a safe zone delineated byreception of a WiFi signal; monitoring if a vital sign of the userexceeds a predetermined threshold; determining a battery charge level ofthe client device being drained below a threshold battery charge level;speaking of a trigger word by the user; and configuring the server fornotifying a family member of the user and for notifying law enforcementofficials, and for providing the last numbers dialed by the clientdevice, the phone numbers of the most recently received calls by theclient device, the most recent texts messages sent and received by theclient device.
 25. The computer-implemented method according to claim14, further comprising: configuring each of the plurality of clientdevices to prompt the user for acting to confirm the alert or to rescindthe alert, with rescinding of the alert requiring authentication of theuser, by the user performing one or more of: re-entering the passcode;answering another security question; by using the biometricidentification means; and by imparting the pre-determined pattern ofmovement to the client device.
 26. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 25, further comprising: configuring the server todirect one or more local cameras at the user of the respective clientdevice, when the user does not confirm the alert or rescind the alert;configuring the server to direct one or more drones to observe the userof the respective client device, when the user does not confirm thealert or rescind the alert; and providing information received from thecameras and the drones to emergency responder while en route to theuser.
 27. A computer-implemented method for facilitating reporting of adefendant on bail comprising: configuring a client device forcontinuously communicating wirelessly over a network with a server;configuring the server for routinely sending a check-in reminder messageto the client device; configuring the client device for transmitting adefendant response for the routine check-in, to the server; configuringthe server for randomly sending a check-in message to the client device;and configuring the client device for authentication of the defendant.28. A computer-implemented method for enhancing a fan experiencecomprising: configuring a client device for continuously communicatingwirelessly over a network with a server; configuring the server fortracking of available parking at a stadium for an event; communicating alocation for the closest available parking to a current location of theclient device, from the server to the client device; communicatingdirections for a current location of the client device to a stadiumentrance appropriate for a seat of a ticket; communicating directionsfrom the seat of the ticket to a nearest concession stand.